Air Conditioning - Which complete unit will be better?

Hi. I have 4 quotes on hvac units here in new orleans. One a/c company wants to install a 3 1/2 ton condensor 13seer Payne with gas furnace and the others wants to install the same in Goodman. I've heared bad things about Goodman a few years ago before they changed their compressors to copeland scrolls. I think I spelled that right. Now I see alot of houses with them and even 2 major hotels not far from here. Don't know anything about Payne but heard someone say its a Carrier brand. Don't want to pay 7-9 thousand for a unit for name and just wanted to know which way to go. Both units will range around $4,000 to $5,500. $4,000 with out duck work. $5,500 with completly new everything.

I would not worry about brand name. Either of the 2 will operate for many years if installed and maintained properly. The trick is finding a quality company to do the install and from some of the stories I've heard that may be a slight challenge due to all the hacks that migrated down your way since the hurricane. Be sure and use someone that's been locally in business for many years and one that your friends and neighbors use.

Do your winters get bad enough to justify a gas furnace and not just a heat pump ?

Down there Id go to http://warmair.net and compare fuel cost first. Might be better off with electric heat. Also down there a higher SEER will pay look for a seer of 15 or more.
Like Matt said for sure get a guy that has been there a longtime to do the job.

Agree with everyone else...... find a good technician and follow his/her advice as to brand.

My opinion. Goodman is good. It's a good basic unit and will get the job done. I have installed many, and have had very few problems. When problems did occur, they were minor and easy to fix.

Yes, Goodman now uses Copeland scroll compressors. In the past they used Bristol (but so did many other brands). The Bristol compressors seem to last a long time. The only complaint is that they are a bit louder.

Thanks guys. I really appreciate your comments. Thanks for everything.